Ayden Burt, a 28-year-old high school teacher and coach from Jasper, Texas, was killed by a stray bullet while attending a rooftop bar event in San Antonio. She was in the city for the Texas High School Coaches Association Conference.
When the incident occurred, Burt, an English teacher and volleyball coach at Jasper High School, was at Smoke Skybar with fellow educators. According to the San Antonio Police Department, Burt was struck by a bullet in the back just after midnight on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, while seated on the patio of the bar. The bullet is believed to have been fired from nearby Interstate 37.
Burt was transported to San Antonio Military Medical Center in critical condition but was pronounced dead upon arrival. Her death has left a void in the Jasper community, where she was known for her dedication to her students and athletes.
Robert Murphy, a Humble High School football coach, had been sitting beside Burt. “We were enjoying our conversation about all the wonderful goals she had for this school year,” Murphy recalled. “Moments later, she was bleeding out in my lap as we tried desperately to get help.” Murphy expressed his devastation in a heartfelt social media post, describing Burt as “a beautiful soul.”
San Antonio Police Chief William McManus highlighted the challenges investigators face. “It’s very, very difficult to put this together without a witness or some kind of video,” McManus said.“We currently do not have any information on a suspect vehicle.” He added that the bullet likely came from someone randomly shooting as they drove by on the highway.
Jasper Independent School District Superintendent John Seybold expressed the district’s sorrow in a statement. “It is with a heavy heart that we have learned of Ayden’s death. She has taught at Jasper ISD since 2019 as an English teacher, cheer sponsor, and coach. We request that everyone honors the privacy of the family and staff during this period.” Ayden’s father and grandfather were both former principals of Jasper Junior High School.
The Texas High School Coaches Association also expressed its heartbreak over the loss of its colleague. It announced plans to donate a benevolence fund to her family and offered counseling services to those affected. “What happened is truly unimaginable,” the association stated.
The San Antonio Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in solving the case. They urge anyone with information to contact the SAPD Homicide unit at 210-207-7635. “Any information provided may help solve this case,” the department stated.